MJ THE MUSICAL Takes Its Final Australian Bow
After captivating audiences in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, MJ THE MUSICAL has taken its final Australian bow, bringing to a close an extraordinary national tour thrilling more than 875,000 Australians over 67 weeks. From standing ovations at every performance to sold-out seasons in Brisbane and Perth, audiences across the country embraced the production’s celebration of Michael Jackson’s music and artistry.
Since the Australian production of MJ THE MUSICAL was announced in 2023, the production has provided employment for 290 Australians across performing, creative and technical roles, with teams working across auditions, casting, rehearsals, and technical preparation long before the first performance in 2025. Behind every performance was an extraordinary team spanning stage management, wardrobe, wigs, hair and make-up, lighting, sound, props, automation, front-of-house and countless other departments. The touring company of 72 full-time members was joined by 42 local musicians and more than 400 local staff across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, delivering 532 electrifying performances. Beyond the company itself, the production also supported more than 200 additional Australians through businesses supplying specialist equipment and services, including freight, scenic, construction, marketing, publicity, media buying, physiotherapy and psychology, making a significant contribution to local cities and economies.
Currently led by Broadway star, Ilario Grant in the title role, the Australian tour also helped launch the careers of a new generation of Australian musical theatre performers. The production marked the professional stage debut of Brisbane performer Liam Damons, alongside company members Albanus Terry Strickland II, Beth Appiah Cain, Ceeko, Iris Wei, Liam Costello, and Xavier Gibson. It also introduced a new generation of young performers to professional musical theatre, with Kayleb Alese, Blaiyze Barksdale, Gebriel Batchelor Walters, Ben Bonner, Daniel Makunike, Zavier Pillay, Kael Smith and Lucas Wyllie all making their professional debuts as part of the Australian company.
Australian producer Michael Cassel reflected on the extraordinary journey that brought MJ THE MUSICAL to Australian audiences:
“Bringing MJ to Australia has been an unforgettable journey that began back in 2019 when Lia Vollack was first developing the show for the Broadway stage, and seeing it come to life on stages across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth has been incredibly rewarding. This production represents the work of hundreds of talented performers, musicians, crew and creatives whose passion and commitment have made every performance something special.”
“I’m immensely proud of what this company has achieved together and grateful to everyone who played a part in making this tour such a remarkable experience. To everyone who joined us along the way, thank you for helping make it so special.”
Original Broadway producer Lia Vollack said Australia had become a special chapter in the global journey of MJ THE MUSICAL:
“Australia has been an incredibly special chapter in MJ’s global journey. Beyond the warmth of Australian audiences, we’ve had the privilege of working with an exceptional company of performers, musicians, crew and creatives who have brought this production to life with extraordinary talent, passion and heart. We couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved together.”
Since its Broadway premiere in 2022, MJ THE MUSICAL has been seen by more than 7 million audience members around the world, with productions staged across North America, London’s West End and Germany. Presented in Australia by leading producer Michael Cassel in partnership with original Broadway producers Lia Vollack, John Branca and John McClain, the Australian production earned widespread critical acclaim and industry recognition, including four BroadwayWorld Australia Awards and two Green Room Awards.
While the Australian tour has come to an end, MJ THE MUSICAL leaves behind unforgettable memories of audiences dancing together at every curtain call and countless fans moonwalking out of the theatre.
About the Author
Alex Novus While not travelling, reading, gaming, watching films AND writing reviews and articles, Alex loves exploring the shops of Melbourne searching for classic pop culture trinkets.
Related Posts
Australian founders used AI to build a sold-out business event and now they’re bringing it to Sydney →
ELF THE MUSICAL TO MAKE ITS MELBOURNE PREMIERE →
Pretty Woman the Musical Review (Regent Theatre Melbourne 2026) →
